Utah Rep. Mia Love remembered as ‘true trailblazer’

An outpouring of love, memories and reverence followed the death of former Utah Rep. Mia Love on Sunday night after her family announced she succumbed to her battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer at the age of 49. 

Utah political leaders remembered Love — who made history as the nation’s first Black Republican congresswoman and the first Black woman to serve as a mayor in Utah — as a courageous leader. 

To many, “trailblazer” was the best way to describe her.  

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, in a post on X, said he and his wife, Abby Cox, were “heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love.” 

“A true trailblazer and visionary leader, Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream,” Cox said. “Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We will miss her deeply.”

Abby and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love. A true trailblazer and visionary leader, Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream. Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We… pic.twitter.com/sZ5WDikodI

— Governor Cox (@GovCox) March 24, 2025

Admiration for Love came from both sides of the political aisle. Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City, (who was the first Black woman to be elected to the Utah Legislature) issued a statement Monday morning saying she was “deeply saddened” by Love’s death and expressing condolences to Love’s family.

“I first had the honor of encountering her in 2014 after our historic win, when we congratulated each other on our achievements,” Hollins said. “As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, she truly embodied the promise of the American Dream. She made history as the first Black woman to serve in her party in the U.S. Congress, breaking barriers and inspiring countless others along the way.”

Hollins added that Love’s “legacy of resilience, strength, and commitment to public service will never be forgotten.” 

Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson also wrote a heartfelt post on X describing Love as a “fearless leader, a history-maker, and a woman of deep conviction.” 

“Utah — and our nation — are better because of her courageous work and unwavering belief in the American Dream,” Henderson said. “My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend.”

Mia Love was a fearless leader, a history-maker, and a woman of deep conviction. Utah—and our nation—are better because of her courageous work and unwavering belief in the American Dream. My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend. Gabe and I send our prayers and love to… https://t.co/mJRyocXYtU pic.twitter.com/SjuGl40Nsi

— Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson (@LGHendersonUtah) March 24, 2025

Members of Utah’s current all-Republican congressional delegation also wrote posts remembering Love and expressing sadness for her loss. 

“Mia Love helped blaze the trail that I now walk,” said Rep. Celeste Maloy, who currently serves as Utah’s only female congressional representative. “She served with grace and inspired many with her conviction that the American dream is alive and well. Our state and our country are better because of her. My deepest condolences to the Love family.” 

Sen. Mike Lee also remembered Love as a “friend, trailblazer, congresswoman, wife, mother, and patriot.” 

“May she rest in peace, and may the great things she worked for in this life inspire the people of Utah — and all Americans — to better serve each other, our families, and our country,” Lee said.

Sen. John Curtis  expressed gratitude for “the time I had with Mia, for the work we did together, and for the example she has set for so many.” 

Former Utah Rep. Mia Love, America’s first Black Republican congresswoman, dies of cancer at 49

Rep. Mike Kennedy also extended “heartfelt prayers and condolences” to Love’s family. 

“Mia was a steadfast believer in the promise of America,” Kennedy said. “I vividly remember her sharing how her parents came to our country with just $10 and a belief in the American dream — a dream she brought to life through her deep love for family, her dedicated public service, and her unwavering commitment to Utah and our nation.”

Rep. Blake Moore joined what he called the “chorus of others recognizing the extraordinary life” of Love. 

“She is the best that Utah has to offer, and I continue to wish her family peace and comfort during this difficult time,” Moore said. 

Rep. Burgess Owens, who is currently serving as Utah’s only Black representative in Congress in the same district where Love was elected, also said he was “heartbroken to hear of Mia’s passing.” 

“She was a trailblazer, a faithful servant, bright light in so many lives, and a dear friend,” Owens said, adding that Utahns were mourning and praying for her family. “Mia served Utah’s 4th District with distinction, bringing passion, energy, and unwavering dedication to everything she did. It is a profound honor to follow in her footsteps and build upon the foundation she laid.”